Ray Turner bagged a hat-trick as HALSTEAD TOWN ran riot at Ipswich Wanderers.

Jody Brown’s side won 7-1 at Humber Doucy Lane, moving up to third in the division one table as a result.

New signing Terry Rayner was sidelined with injury, but Craig Newman returned and San Lee, Liam Morley and Steve Falla were deemed fit enough for a place on the bench.

Both sides might have scored in the opening minutes before Halstead opened their account after 12 minutes.

Danny Rochester crossed for skipper Steve Daly to power home a header.

Halstead had most of the game but Ipswich wasted a great chance when Jerrell Layne broke clean away with only keeper Paul Wood to beat, only for Tom Devaux to save the day with a telling tackle.

At the other end, Halstead’s Chris Bryan was denied when Jamie Buckle cleared off the line.

But Halstead then rammed home three goals in five minutes to virtually end the contest after half an hour.

Turner fired in Newman’s cross for 2-0 and then tapped in Rochester’s assist, before John Pollard and Daly combined to put Rochester clear for number four.

Halstead resumed with spirit after the break but were caught out on the hour when defender Adam Dennis’ attempted pass was intercepted by Camillo Douglas, allowing Adam Potter to pull one back.

However, Andy Joslin sent Turner through to complete his hat-trick and score his 12th in ten games to give Halstead an immediate reply.

Bryan’s corner found its way through for Daly to net from a narrow angle for 6-1.

And after passing up several openings, Bryan finally got on the scoresheet with ten minutes to go when he lobbed keeper Hammond, following Danny Rowell’s shrewd pass.